Money & Career

5 ways to save money

Money & Career

5 ways to save money

Every day, we use coupons, look for sales and generally try to minimize our bills. But sometimes we end up supersizing our spending rather than our savings. Watch out for these five deals that may cost more than you bargained for.

At the grocery store You spot a bag of five avocados for just $5 – a steal, seeing as one costs $2. But buying in bulk – especially when the goods are perishable – doesn't always save you money.

Avoid the trap: Purchase large quantities with caution. "The actual price per item might be less, but if you end up throwing it away, you've wasted money," says Marg Reid, a money coach in Kelowna, B.C. Also, check unit prices before reaching for larger packages; they're not always cheaper. At your favourite clothing store You've found the perfect sweater and – bonus – there's a "buy one, get the second half-off" sale! The catch, says Reid, is you'll be purchasing the sweater at full price, plus buying something you didn't intend to. Avoid the trap: If you don't plan clothing purchases, you can spend hundreds of dollars more, says Reid, who suggests having a list and budget in mind each season. "The wonderful thing about having a budget is that when you do buy something, there's no guilt."

Clicking for a coupon Online deal services (such as Dealfind.com or teambuy.ca) offer savings upward of 50 per cent. But are you spending $50 for a half-day at the spa when all you want is a manicure?

Avoid the trap: "You have to watch that you're actually going to use it, and that you need all that's offered in the package," says Tracy Watson of Calgary-based Money Mentors. And think about hidden costs. Driving across the city to save a few dollars could waste even more in gas.

Page 1 of 2 – Are you planning on buying a new computer or relocating from your current home? Find out how which "deals" to avoid on page 2.

At the computer store The salesperson says the $400 extended warranty will save you from paying service charges for the next four years. Consumer Reports says products aren't likely to break down within that time anyway, and when they do, the repairs generally cost less than the warranty itself. Avoid the trap: The Canadian Consumer Information Gateway encourages asking questions along the lines of "How long is the free warranty from the manufacturer?" and "Will there be extra costs, such as shipping, when it comes time for repairs?"

Thinking of moving You calculate that suburban real estate will deliver a bigger house and more savings than the high-priced city. But if you work in the city, says Reid, the cost of your commute can more than make up for any savings. Avoid the trap: Do your research. If you can walk or take public transit to work, you could sell a vehicle and forgo spending about $10,000 per year on gas, maintenance and insurance.

This story was originally titled "Cut Your Spending" in the September 2011 issue.

Beauty

These lip balms will make you forget dry, chapped lips

Beauty

These lip balms will make you forget dry, chapped lips

Cold temperatures and harsh winds can take a toll on your lips—and there is nothing sexy about a chapped mouth. The good news? Our favourite lip balms can help eliminate dry, sore and chapped lips. These affordable picks range from $4 to $32.

Beauty

Secret Santa gifts (you'll want to keep!) at every price

It should be easy, but sometimes finding a gift within a certain price range that is still thoughtful can be difficult. Let us help.

Finding the perfect Secret Santa gift is more difficult than it seems. First, if you're buying for someone specific, you want to gift to be thoughtful—but that can be difficult if you only have a limited budget. And that's the thing about the budget—you need the gift to be less than, but close to, your budget (whether it's self-imposed or part of a larger secret santa mandate). Plus, sometimes you don't know who your secret Santa is! And shopping for a mystery person means you need to get something that will appeal to pretty much everyone.

Secret Santa gifts (you'll want to keep!) at every price

Under $10

This item combines two of our favourite things—the Toronto Blue Jays and lapel pins! Not a sports fan? Luckily there are plenty of lapel pin options to make sure you find the right one for your giftee.

Food

10 delicious marinades for steak

Summer grilling doesn't just brings out the best get-togethers, but also the best in barbecued steaks. Don't throw your t-bones and sirloins into the grill just yet. Our easy-to-follow recipes for marinades for steak will give your meat a hearty flavour-boost that'll please all meat-lovers in your family.

The best way to add some flavour to your steaks is by whipping together some great marinades for steak and letting the meat soak up the amazing flavours. If you love exotic spices, try bathing your steak in a Five-Spice Marinade, which is flavour-packed with Chinese five-spice powder. Or, mix together cumin, paprika, garlic and lemon juice for a hot and zesty Moroccan Marinade.

Want something simple and classic? A quick Salt and Pepper Steak Rub is a perfect addition to any barbecue.

You can also try brushing your steaks on the grill with some Sweet Smoky Tomato Basting Sauce, a delicious mix of tomatoes, apple cider and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Now get out and get grilling with some of these delicious marinades for steak.

10 tasty marinades for steak:

1.Salt and Pepper Steak Rub The classic combination of black pepper and coriander seeds is delicious on thick, juicy steaks, such as T-bones, sirloins or strip loins.

2.Sweet Smoky Tomato Basting Sauce This sauce mellows out considerably when brushed over meat on the grill, but it also packs a punch of flavour when served as a side sauce at the table. For doubly delicious results, use it to baste while grilling and serve extra sauce at the table.

3.Moroccan Marinade Got a pantry of spices? Stir together a few tablespoons of cumin and paprika with cinnamon, garlic and lemon juice for a flavour-filled marinade, perfect for grilling meat and poultry.

4. Universal Spice Rub Keep this simple all-purpose rub on hand for a last-minute flavour boost. You can rub it onto steak, ribs, brisket, chicken, fish or seafood before putting them on the barbecue.